An Afternoon in The Raffles London Drawing Room

The Drawing Room, a space that has welcomed many notorious guests throughout the years for cocktails, coffee, and even secret meetings, has become the beating heart of The OWO. Today, the reimagined room—adorned with contemporary furnishings set against the original wood paneling and fireplace—is a room where everyone can enjoy the quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea, an experience inspired by local flavors and served with expertly blended teas. "When creating our seasonal afternoon tea menu, I blend the freshest seasonal ingredients with elements of the building’s rich history," says Executive Pastry Chef Dale DeSimone. "This approach ensures that each tea not only celebrates the season, but also tells the unique story of our venue, offering guests a memorable and immersive experience." 

There are two special blends that take center stage. "The two most popular teas from our selection are the Churchill Blend and The Drawing Room Blend," says Shula Spital, the Food & Beverage Marketing Manager. "The former pays homage to Winston Churchill's favorite tea, blending smoky lapsang with hints of bergamot, wrapped together with warm ginger. While the latter offers elegant simplicity, consisting of whole leaf black tea blended with rose petals."

Under the artful direction of Chef DeSimone and Executive Chef Roger Olsson, these fine teas—paired with a glass of champagne—accompany a menu that delights the eye and the palate. Including a seasonal selection of savory and sweet bites, each element highlights local produce and flavors. The carefully crafted sandwiches showcase artisanal breads—from beetroot to rustic caraway and wholesome seeded varieties. These form the perfect canvas for the ever-changing fillings, from chicken and tender roast ham, to velvety egg mixtures and delicate salmon, paired with crisp vegetables and homemade sauces and garnishes. The sweet course is a stunning array of patisseries, from silky lemon curd tartlets to rich praline, and unique desserts like Muscovado sponge cake and buttery shortbread. No afternoon tea would be complete without freshly baked scones, served alongside fluffy Cornish clotted cream and ruby strawberry jam, an English classic. 

Served with elegance and refinement, stepping into The Drawing Room at Raffles London at The OWO feels like being transported through time. Here, the cherished ritual of Afternoon Tea finds historic grandeur and exquisite precision. As Chef DeSimone reflects, "We hope that by enjoying our afternoon tea, we can bring alive the incredible stories—both fact and fiction—that help shape English culture."